SSN is a digest of the day's soccer/football/futbol articles with a focus on the top European leagues and the United States National Team. Below, you’ll find links to articles and video, as well as additional features and commentary. We locate the top news of the day so you can stay updated with ease.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

IMAGINE how Michael Owen will feel when he emerges from the players' tunnel at Anfield on Sunday and glances to his right towards the Kop. Until five years ago, he went up and down those same steps wearing the red of Liverpool, the darling of Anfield, a man with the world at his feet. But on Sunday, Owen returns wearing the black-and-white stripes of Newcastle, the Kop will afford him the same indifference his return has generated in recent seasons and, whether he likes it not, he will go there with his career in ruins.

"He is supposed to be our best ref, but if he's the best, I'd hate to see the worst."Spurs boss Harry Redknapp after Howard Webb's dubious penalty award to Manchester United saw the champions turn a two-goal deficit into a 5-2 victory.

"How can it be right for top players to be earning £15-20m a year? It's crazy. These wages need to be capped. But I worry that it won't happen because the Premier League and the FA are run by donkeys who don't understand business, who are dazzled by money.''Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed, clearly one for sitting on the fence when it comes to discussing players' wages.

"Our biggest mistake was turning up."Sunderland manager Ricky Sbragia after watching his side capitulate to West Brom.

"I'm not surprised, but it is surprising."Glenn Hoddle speaking on Alan Brazil's Talk Sport show about the combined tally of 90-odd goals from Barcelona trio Messi, Eto'o & Henry.

"Leighton Baines - I bet you think this song is about you."Football chant heard at Everton v Man United FA Cup semi-final, to the tune of You're So Vain by Carly Simon.

"We'll never play you again."Spurs fans to Newcastle after winning 1-0.

A 1-0 lead is a decent advantage to take into the second leg at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, with John O’Shea, of all people, scoring the only goal last night, but it could have been so much better for United. A single goal seemed a disappointing return for a vibrant display that was epitomised by the tenacity of Darren Fletcher, Anderson, Wayne Rooney and the recalled Carlos Tévez, but Arsenal could claim that they had the game’s outstanding performer in Manuel Almunia.

Gareth Barry insists he will not allow this summer to turn into another protracted transfer saga as he contemplates making the "difficult decision" that will almost certainly culminate in him leaving Aston Villa.

Fulham inched closer to a European spot on Saturday, winning 1-0 over Stoke to close within six points of the final European spot. In Scotland, Rangers defeated St. Mirren to advance to the Scottish Cup final.

Referee Howard Webb has admitted that the penalty which sparked Manchester United's five-goal comeback in their Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Saturday was a mistake.

The most successful clubs in soccer's richest league have some of the biggest debts in the sport. A report by British lawmakers last week accused Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea - the top three teams in the Premier League - of "financial doping," or reckless borrowing to maintain their domination.

Pep Guardiola and Juande Ramos represent two different paths to become a top level gaffer: the former elite player who puts into practice what he learned during his playing career, and the self-made coach that builds his own career growing with each new job.

Pompey boss Paul Hart believes the Alan Shearer factor will have little bearing on Newcastle's bid for survival unless the former England captain's players share the responsibility with their new boss.

This evening represents Shearer's fourth managerial assignment since swapping the BBC's Match of the Day sofa for the technical area but, with Newcastle second bottom of the Premier League and a solitary point to his name, he is certainly not exaggerating its significance.